Page 27 of Letting Go
Ghost is more than happy to see me earlier than usual. He’s even happier when he sees me change into my running clothes and lace up my shoes. I clip on his leash and we head out to run around our new neighborhood. I haven’t decided on a favorite route yet and like to mix it up as I explore the new-to-us area. I try to focuson our surroundings but my thoughts keep going back to a certain woman with long blonde hair and stunning green eyes.
Vivian’s oval face and classic beauty are distracting my thoughts. She was enchanting the other night when she drunk dialed me and sounded so care-free going on about her damn mint chocolate chip ice cream. I imagine her luscious, full lips wrapping around a spoonful of her favorite ice cream, or how good they would look wrapped around my … I shake my head.Alright, man, get a hold of yourself. Yes, she is beautiful, but I can’t cross that line yet. Not until I find justice for her and her daughter.
I try to think of the least appealing things I can in an attempt to make my run more comfortable. No guy likes to run at half-mast.
Wrinkly old man balls.
Ghost when he was sprayed by a skunk last summer.
Spoiled milk.
Catching Gretchen in bed with her lover.
That last one is a buzzkill every single time. Although instead of hurt, I’m more disgusted this time.
I stop running and lean down with my hands on my knees to catch my breath. Ghost looks back at me offended for interrupting his pace as I realize I haven’t thought of Gretchen in weeks. While her actions still disgust me, I don’t really feel anything thinking of her now. My reaction to the memory is more because of the fact it was in my house, not because of who she was to me. “Ha, what do you know, boy? The witch is finally gone,” I tell Ghost as I give him a few scratches. Knowing she no longer has any influence on me is a euphoric feeling. The thought of her quickly solves my issue and I start running, much more comfortable now that I relaxed. I just need to keep my thoughts off of Vivian until I get home and in the shower where I can take care of things.
After a shower that included an embarrassingly quick release to my daydreams about investigating the assets of a gorgeous, curvy,green-eyed beauty, I grab my cell and walk out to my covered patio. Ghost joins me and sprawls out at my feet as I sit on the outdoor sectional my parents sent as a housewarming gift. Picking up my phone, I pull up the group chat with my brothers that was going off while I was in the shower.
Charlie
Walker, what’s the verdict on the 4thof July? Are you coming home? Mama mentioned you hadn’t booked a flight yet.
Sam
You better be. The fourth is going to be lit! I special ordered a case of multi-shot fireworks from Booms that are going to be epic.
Charlie
I’ll host this year, that way Carrie won’t divorce your pyro ass if you burn down your house.
Sam
I never burned down the house, that was just a small little ditch fire—and it was two years ago, man. Let it go, and FFS do NOT bring that up in front of my wife.
Charlie
I think it’s hilarious to talk about that in front of Carrie. She still gets so pissed about herflowerbed.
Sam
Thanks, asshole. Walker, are you coming home or what?
I laugh as I catch up on their messages. Some things just never change, and I’m grateful that even though we live states away from each other, it doesn’t change anything about how we are in our family.
Me
Not sure yet. The task force is busy and part of a case has all my attention right now. I may not be able to get away, but it would be a last-minute decision if I do.
Sam
How’s Nashville? And how are the ladies in Nashville?
Charlie
I hope Carrie sees that question.
Sam
